Humboldt State (5-11, 4-5) vs. Chico State (10-5, 5-4)
Game Details: Thursday, January 19 | 5:30 p.m.
Location: Lumberjack Arena | Arcata, Calif.
Game Coverage: Live Stats | Audio | Video | @HSUJacks Twitter
Radio: ESPN 92.7 FM / 1340 AM
 
ARCATA, Calif. – Humboldt State women's basketball puts its three-game winning streak on the line when it hosts rival Chico State Thursday. Tipoff is set for 5:30 p.m.
 
The Lumberjacks have pulled off three consecutive fourth quarter comebacks and outscored Cal State San Marcos 18-8 in the last 10 minutes of Saturday's game to force overtime. Freshman Tyra Turner continues to make a case for conference Freshman of the Year honors after averaging 16.7 points, 7.3 assists, 7.3 rebounds and 3.0 steals per game during the winning streak. She leads the Green and Gold with 12.6 points, 4.2 assists and 5.0 rebounds per game.
 
Chico State is coming off back-to-back home victories against Cal State LA and Cal State Dominguez Hills. Whitney Branham is the Wildcats' top offensive playmaker, and she is averaging a team-best 15.1 points per game. Branham was limited to just four points in Chico State's Dec. 9 loss to HSU.
 
SERIES BREAKDOWN
Despite losing the last three meetings, Chico State leads the all-time series 62-25. The Jacks picked up their third consecutive win over the Wildcats with a 44-42 road win back in December.
 
COACHES CORNER
On the what's working during the winning streak
"I think things take time," said Head Coach Michelle Bento-Jackson. "The girls are really starting to grasp and understand the importance of executing the scout, taking things possession by possession, and we have been more efficient with our defense."
 
On the Jacks' fourth quarter comebacks
"Earlier in the season we were digging ourselves holes," said Bento-Jackson. "The hole was either too big to get out of or we started to cut the lead too late in the fourth quarter. These last three or four games, the girls have pecked away early on in the third quarter to cut the deficit down and put us in a situation to win the game at the end. One thing I can say about this group is that they are extremely resilient. I think we have gained the confidence that when our backs are against the wall we can get ourselves out of it."
 
On the Chico State game
"It's a big game for both of us," said Bento-Jackson. "At this point in the season every game is big. I don't think I will have to give any extra motivation to the girls. Chico is a very good ball team, and we are going to have our hands full. When we played at their place it was neck-and-neck most of the way. This will be a big challenge for us."
 
On returning home from the road trip
"It's always nice to be at home and to play in front of our fans and the community," said Bento-Jackson. "I am not one that minds being on the road. It is a structured schedule and it's all basketball. Of course it's nice to be in our own arena and playing in front of our fans."

UP NEXT
The Jacks return to action on Saturday when they host Stanislaus State. Tipoff is scheduled for 5:30 p.m.